Archie Bunker's solution to airline hyjackings was to give everyone a gun as they entered the plane. Using a similar approach the N.C. legislature has passed a law requiring that the courts provide battered spouses with information on obtaining a handgun. Good idea? If so, why not provide the same information to all victims of crime.

"We're not interested in them shooting their abusers," said Paul Valone, president of Grass Roots North Carolina. "We're interested in delivering a message: When police can't protect these people, they are capable of protecting themselves."